Are you heading to Raleigh for this year’s Human Rights Campaign Carolina Gala on Feb. 26? Interested in experiencing all the city has to offer? Try out one of our pre-planned bundles to round out your experience! See there, we love you so much we made your travel plans for you. No stress, just fun: Take them as a whole or mix-and-match. It’s up to you!
Bronze ($199)
Friday
Check into the Clarion Hotel State Capital less than a half mile from the convention center (two-night stay: $138). Eat dinner at The Borough, 317 W. Morgan St., for $25 (and grab the early bird half-price appetizers), then attend the LGBT Center of Raleigh’s open house from 5-9 p.m., 316 W. Cabarrus St. (free). Afterward, head back to your hotel, freshen up and head out to party at Legends, 330 W. Hargett St., just one block away from the hotel ($20).
Saturday
Sleep in and relax, but don’t stay indoors all day! Grab some lunch at Café Helios, 413 Glenwood Ave. ($8), then take a stroll through Raleigh’s African American Cultural Center, 119 Sunnybrook Rd. (free). Grab some dinner at one of the many downtown eateries then head out to the HRC Gala starting at 5 p.m.
Sunday
Before heading out of town and back to the normal grind, grab some lunch at Dos Taquitos, 5629 Creedmoor Rd. ($8). Then hop on the highway and safe travels!
Silver ($277)
Friday
Check-in at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel adjacent to the convention center (two-night stay: $218). Grab a bite to eat at The Remedy Diner, 137 E. Hargett St. ($10) and attend a production of “The Vagina Monologues” at Meredith College ($10, see our story below). Afterward, head out for good times, good friends and good drinks at Flex, 2 S. West St. ($20).
Saturday
For lunch, grab a slice at Lilly’s Pizza, 1813 Glenwood Ave. ($12), then spend your day ooh-ing and aaw-ing at the Artspace art gallery, 201 E. Davie St. (free). In the evening, head to the Gala at 5 p.m.
Sunday
After a full night’s worth of wining and dining, you’ll want to head home, even if it does mean going back to work on Monday. Before you go, catch a meal at Durham’s Madhatter Bakeship and Cafe, 1802 West Main St. ($7).
Gold ($415)
Friday
Check-in at the HRC Gala host hotel, the Marriot Raleigh Center City conveniently located next to and connected to the convention center (two-night stay: $298). Grab a delicious dinner at BuKu Global Street Food, 110 East Davie St. ($45), then get your evening wine on at RBC Bank’s welcome reception (6:30-11 p.m.) Afterward, head back to the hotel for a quick change of attire, throw on some cologne and head out for an after party at Steel Blue, 711 Rigsbee Ave. ($20).
Saturday
Before heading out for a relaxing ride through downtown Raleigh with J&L Carriages, jlcarriage.com ($20), head out for lunch at Natty Greene’s Pub and Brewing Co., 505 W. Jones St. ($12). Take some time to relax, grab some drinks at the hotel bar and head out to the HRC Gala at 5 p.m.
Sunday
Rise and shine! It’s time to head home. Before you do, grab brunch at Chapel Hill’s Crook’s Corner, 610 West Franklin St. ($20). : :